It was once known as The Arch Street Opera House. Over the past century and a half, it’s been called a lot of things (according to its Wikipedia page, anyhow) including: Park Theatre, Gaiety Theatre, Slocum’s and Sweatman’s Theatre (a personal favorite), and Sweatman’s Arch Street Opera House. Most recently it goes by the name The Trocadero Theater, or it’s more colloquial name, The Troc.

Fast forward 144 years past the recorded birth date, and I find myself trying to prove to a group of diligent, extremely friendly employees that I belong in this prestigious venue a few hours before doors open. A well-established home for movies, comedy, pop and – moreso, I think, than any other venue in Philadelphia – hard fucking rock.

The latter of which is why I was there. My credentials checked out, and I find myself walking through the empty lobby, out in to the spacious arena, around the elevated staging area, up an ancient set of stairs, down a dark, very ominous hallway, and in to “the back room” which also happens to be the literal back room.

Most people think of a concert as those four or so hours you spend standing in crowd, singing along with your favorite band. But have you ever thought about what goes into making that happen? We followed The Menzingers‘ Rented World tour for a day as four bands converged on Philly’s Union Transfer to put on a show. The headliners were brought up in the Scranton DIY scene before relocating to Philadelphia – releasing several amazing albums along the way – and this stop on the tour was their biggest headlining show to date in their adopted hometown. Their fourth full-length, Rented World, was released this spring on Epitaph Records, and it’s gotten the band some of its highest-profile attention outside of the punk world – including an enthusiastic review in the New York Times. Even so, the band stayed true to its roots for the tour, bringing along Philly friends Cayetana, up-and-coming Toronto punk four-piece PUP and Buffalo indiepop trio Lemuria. Take a look at how the gang spent their Saturday in pictures. [continue]

About The Key

Philadelphia: Home to a rich musical history, a unique musical identity, and one of the nation's most thriving musical communities. In a scene filled with so many local bands worth listening to, there will always be new music to discover—and The Key is your source for finding it. Brought to you by WXPN—the non-commercial public radio station that World Cafe, XPN2, and XPoNential Music Festival call home—The Key covers all local music in Greater Philly and beyond.GET IN TOUCH

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About The Key

Philadelphia: Home to a rich musical history, a unique musical identity, and one of the nation's most thriving musical communities. In a scene filled with so many local bands worth listening to, there will always be new music to discover—and The Key is your source for finding it. Brought to you by WXPN—the non-commercial public radio station that World Cafe, XPN2, and XPoNential Music Festival call home—The Key covers all local music in Greater Philly and beyond.GET IN TOUCH